Unhelpful cognitive and behavioural responses are associated with symptoms in adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome

Abstract

Background: Using a cognitive behavioural model of chronic fatigue syndrome the objective of this prospective study was to test the hypothesis that cognitive (i.e.symptom focusing, fear avoidance beliefs) and behavioural responses (i.e avoidance of activity, all or nothing behaviours) would be associated with fatigue and physical functioning in CFS participants. Methods: Adolescents with CFS (N=85) completed self report measures at time 1 and outcomes of fatigue and physical functioning 8 weeks later (time 2). Findings: Multiple regression analyses revealed that all or nothing behaviour was associated with fatigue and physical functioning at time 2. Negative beliefs about engaging in activity were also associated with physical functioning at time 2. Discussion: This prospective study provides some evidence consistent with the hypothesis that cognitive and behavioural factors proposed as maintaining factors in a cognitive behavioural approach to CFS at time 1 were associated with fatigue and physical functioning eight weeks later. These should be specifically targeted in the context of cognitive behaviour therapy.